SAU Library

Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) of Bangladesh represented by Professor Dr. AHM Mahfuzul Haque and New Edge Microbials (NEM) of Australia, represented by Chief Research Scientist Dr Mohd Mostofa Kamal, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 to advance an open, inclusive, prosperous, and symbiotic relationship, with an immediate focus on food security through microbes assisted crop production.The agreement has been signed in the presence of Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Md. Matiar Rahman Howlader, Sylhet Agricultural University, Prof. Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Md Asad–ud-doullah, Charmain, Department of Plant Pathology and Seed Science, Professor Dr. Abdul Muqit, Professor Dr. Md. Monirul Islam and Israt Jahan Ema, Lecturer  Department of Plant Pathology and Seed Science, SAU, Sylhet. Both parties agreed to work with mutual interest in research, development, education, and technology transfer on development of eco-friendly microbes in crop production which could be a frontier goal to achieve a positive effect on plants and reduce negative impact of chemical fertilizer and synthetic pesticides on the environment. Prior to signing the MoU, Vice Chancellor of SAU, Prof. Dr. Md. Matiar Rahman Howlader exchanged views with Dr Peter McEntee, head of research and Mr.Grant Kelson, chief operation officer, New Edge Microbial through Zoom on potential research areas and priorities in both countries. He added that this MoU will strengthen future cooperation between SAU and NEM in achieving common goals that will foster long term relationship and contribute significant outcomes in food security. International research experience can be a significant benefit for many graduate students, both academically and industrially and in terms of setting them apart in the job market, said Dr. Peter McEntee while Mr. Grant Kelson added that signing this MoU is an important step in proceeding relationship with Sylhet Agricultural University and providing valuable international opportunity for SAU academics and students. Dr. Mohd. Mostofa Kamal mentioned that this MoU affirms to continue long term partnership between the two institutions and leverage comparative advantage to support high quality research and sustainable development outcomes in agro-microbial research and education. This MoU will lead to further opportunities to share expertise through our exchange program, the next step will involve both institutions working out the specific details of the research program over the coming months said Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin. Dr AHM Mahfuzul Haque said that this agreement formalizes the mutual interaction and strengthens the existing relationship commenced through materials transfer agreement last year. He also anticipates that this agreement could initiate a new model of green economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. Finally, Vice Chancellor of SAU, Prof. Dr. Md. Matiar Rahman Howlader Express his heartfelt thanks to NEM authority, Australia for their cordial support to accelerate research and development for SAU by providing technical support to establish a modern microbial genetic resources library at SAU, competent scholar exchange, short term training and higher education program for the faculties and students. He wishes the grand success of MoU with NEM Australia.